“Just come to the store and enjoy the festivities,” said Walmart Personnel Coordinator Robin Lawless of the fundraising effort planned for Friday to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Last year, the Sault Ste. Marie store raised approximately $15,000 for this organization and has set a goal of $20,000 for the 2013 effort.

Billed as the Children’s Miracle Network Blowout, Friday’s schedule will include Walmart associates participating in the “Locks of Love” program from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. with certain employees willing to donate their hair. Associates will also be participating in “Crazy Hat” and a “Dress Down” programs throughout the day on Friday.

The general public is invited to enter the Basketball Shoot which will raise additional funds by offering a number of donated prizes to the participants.

Lawless said the prizes range from a Monster backpack on up to tickets to the Detroit Pistons-Chicago Bulls basketball game which, according to the team schedule, will be played at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Those who wish to make a donation, but are hesitant to showcase their hoops skills, can purchase lollipops at the front of the grocery entrance or simply insert cash or a check into the collection device. Lawless also pointed out that bottle return receipts can also be donated to this program.

The Children’s Miracle Network, founded in 1983 by the family of Marie Osmond, John Schneider, Mick Shannon and Joe Lake, has grown over the last 30 years into one of North America’s leading children charities, according to the organization’s website. Over the last three decades, it has collected approximately $4.7 billion.

The network includes 170 hospitals admitting 62 children a minute.

The funds raised on Friday have been earmarked for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.